Breeding methods research

The world is becoming increasingly more complex and data-driven, so too is plant breeding. New technologies and analytical techniques that are potentially useful for plant breeding are emerging much faster than plant breeders can utilize them. The goal of breeding methods research is to find ways to use new or forgotten technologies and analytical techniques to improve the effectiveness of breeding programs.

Recent research outcomes

Low cost genotyping

Dr. Juan Arbelaez and collaborators (2019) developed ‘1K RiCA’, a low-cost genotyping platform for rice (Oryza sativa) breeding. This platform is being used to genotype rice breeding lines from Africa, Asia, and Latin America read more

The genome-wide distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms on the 1K RiCA

Guidance on breeding program assessment

Dr. Jessica Rutkoski (2019) identified the most appropriate methods for assessing rates of genetic gain realized by plant breeding programs. These methods are useful to monitor breeding program effectiveness and to show stakeholders how much progress is being made. read the article

Dr. Jessica Rutkoski presents this research in a seminar at Cornell University

Integration of high throughput phenotyping and genomic selection

Dr. Jessica Rutkoski and collaborators (2016) showed how data from aerial imagery can be used in genomic selection models to improve the effectiveness of selection for grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). read more

An aerial view of the main wheat station at CIMMYT located in Obregon, Mexico where this work was conducted.